The morning after: A new day without Berkman, Oswalt

 Astros transfer Felipe Paulino to 60-day DL, opening up another spot on the 40-man roster.

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It’s the morning after — yes, the sun did rise — and a good night’s sleep brings both sadness and great expectation.

Roy and Lance will always be Astros — Lance even said it that way. I’ll watch both with anticipation for their last few years, hopeful for the best for them, except of course, when they’re pitching and playing against CJ, Brett and Jason, the new guys on the Astros’ block.

There have been heated battles on Houston talk shows, street corners and even here on our blog, but the bottom line is that we all knew this was coming, hoped it was coming and, in most cases, begged and pleaded for it to come.

The next few days will be strange, especially if you’re watching Oswalt and Berkman take the field in a enemy uniform. And it will be even more odd to watch a youngster step into a position held largely by only two people for the last 16 years.

Brett Wallace — the guy who’s been traded with or for Holliday, Halladay and Oswalt — indeed has those proverbial big shoes to fill. Wear ’em well, Mr. Wallace.

So, how do you feel on this Day After? Sleep well? Hopeful? Sad?

Should the Astros retire #44 and #17 and hang ’em in the rafters with other greats from times past? What will you remember most about Roy and Berkman?

Now that Ed Wade has done most of the heavy lifting (remember, there’s still Carlos), what else do you expect or wish to see?

Enjoy your weekend, take a deep breath. The sun did come up and it’s a new day.